Find Out What Matters To Them

The only way to find out what matters to people is to earn their trust so they will tell you.

They need to trust you first. This means they need to know what you will do with the information once they give it to you.

Tell them why you want to know. Help create a workplace that fits your employees’ highest and best selves. Tell them you believe we are whole beings who come to work, not just workers for the company. We bring our beliefs and values, our dreams and aspirations to work with us. What matters to each individual matters.

This may require one-on- one conversations, which will require some time. Give them time to open up and then have the conversation. When you are conversing, spend more time listening and less time talking.